THOMAS Issa put in an excellent performance at last Sunday’s go-kart season finale at Palisadoes International Raceway, St Andrew, to seal his grasp on the 2013 Abe Ziadie Memorial Trophy.

“I’m very happy to win it, but I wasn’t sure because with me racing overseas there would have been a few conflicts that would keep me away,” Issa told Auto.

Now aged 15, he last held the sport’s highest honour three years ago. This second championship was not only won on the back of a dominant 2013 Rotax Junior, but an extensive overseas programme including racing in Europe. He took both race finals after returning the day before the meet from a week of competition in New Orleans, USA, for the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals.

“It was a long flight back; however, we have a commitment to local karting,” said his father, motorsport stalwart Christopher Issa.

His mentor and team manager Peter Rae also shared a similar sentiment.

“Thomas has travelled many miles this year, covering several countries in Europe and the USA developing his talent in karting,” Rae added.

The rest of the day held few surprises as Ryan Chisholm closed out his first season in Comer50 with two race final victories over class rival Zander Williams. Comer80 continued its see-saw battle between Mark Moodie and Thomas Gore who took a win each. Joshua Sirgany returned full strength from an injury that had put him out for several weeks. He fought hard to take both Minimax finals over cousin Justin. Rotax Senior went the way of Fraser McConnell. Mark Minott and Peter Moodie Jr won a Rotax Masters final each.

The day closed with a 12-lap showdown where the drivers were arranged from slowest to fastest lap time for the day regardless of class. They were then sent off at intervals determined by the difference between each time. Fans watched an exciting chase to the finish line by Peter Moodie Jr as he hunted down the eventual winner Dr Mark Minott.

“If he had two more laps he probably could have caught me,” said Minott.

— Rory Daley